M4 motorway may stay closed into next week as repair work continues

The M4 has remained closed once again as repair work continues ahead of Olympics arrivals

The work, which is taking place on a viaduct near Boston Manor in west London, was expected to be completed this morning – but officials said the repairs had proven more complex than they initially thought.

As a result the Highways Agency has now said the road will re-open ‘within the next few days’ – but have not said when.

The delay has sparked concerns that the road may still be closed on Monday, the day the M4 Olympic Games lane between Heathrow and London is due to open.

The HA refused to confirm it would be usable by then.

The road is expected to be one of the busiest during the Games due to its links between the airport and the Olympic Park in Stratford – with one lane on each carriageway reserved for competitors and Games officials.

The concerns come ahead of contingents flying into Heathrow for the Games next week – with Monday expected to be the airport’s busiest day for arrivals.

The motorway is set to be one of the main routes into London for Olympic delegations (Picture: PA)

A Highways Agency spokesman said that an alternative route would be planned along the A4 if the motorway was not re-opened by then.

Roads minister Mike Penning said he shared ‘the frustration of motorists at the continued delay to the opening of the M4′.

‘However, let’s be absolutely clear, safety must be paramount and I will not allow the road to be reopened until this repair work has been completed successfully,’ he added.

‘This is a very complex operation and it is not possible to predict precisely how long it will take.’

AA president Edmund King said he had been briefed on the situation and added: ‘I have been assured that the Highways Agency is doing its utmost to make the road safe.’